SaS: Excluding CEZ from Preparation of New NPP Will Jeopardise Transparency (2)

Bratislava, 30 July (TASR) - The plan to buy out Czech company CEZ's stake in the Slovak Nuclear Energy Company (JESS), which is preparing the construction of a new nuclear power station in Jaslovske Bohunice (Trnava region), has raised questions as to whether this is a deliberate attempt to set up yet another non-transparent and overpriced project, MP for the opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party Karol Galek stated at a press conference on Thursday. Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) failed to secure the purchase of CEZ's stake in JESS even by the extended deadline of 10 July this year. According to her, the problem lies in the company's refusal to disclose documents on the basis of which the price of the shares held by CEZ should be determined. "The minister has so far failed to buy out CEZ's 49-percent stake in the company that is preparing a new nuclear power plant, and I say - thank goodness. As long as CEZ remains there, [Prime Minister] Robert Fico [Smer-SD] can't do anything with the project without any oversight," stated Galek. According to Galek, the government isn't focusing on the construction of the power station, but on removing a partner who would keep tabs on whether the project is transparent. "CEZ has been involved in the project since 2010. It has experience, know-how and experts; it's currently carrying out the expansion of the Dukovany power station [in the Czech Republic]. Instead of Slovakia making use of its experience, Robert Fico is doing everything he can to push it out of the project. The only logical explanation is that he doesn’t want anyone looking over his shoulder," he emphasised. The MP pointed out that the amount set to be paid to CEZ could be around €190 million, with a further €300 million or so required to continue the project preparations. According to him, the question is where the government intends to find these funds at a time when public finances are being consolidated. Galek also questioned the cost estimates for the new nuclear power plant, some of which reach as much as €15 billion. Galek pointed out that in the Czech Republic the construction of two reactors is being prepared for roughly the same amount. He attributes this to efforts to conduct a proper international tender and select the contractor transparently. SaS has called on the government to respect the approved project preparation timetable under which the selection of the technology supplier is to take place no earlier than 2027. Until then, according to SaS, the government must ensure that the permit processes are in place and prepare a transparent tender. "Slovakia needs a new nuclear power source, but not at the cost of yet another overpriced project that the public will be paying off for decades," stated Galek. NOTE: This story has been extended to include the final two paragraphs. am/df